It’s that time of the year. You know what I’m talking about. That stretch of days that run from the over-consumption of food period from Thanksgiving through Christmas and then into the New Year. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the extended football season that runs through the first week of January with all the Bowl Games. And of course, the NFL playoffs and then the Super Bowl in February. That’s over two months of food consumption. We all celebrate by entertaining and having parties with all kinds of food and sweet treats. I’ll admit it is a great time of the year: holidays with family and friends and championship football. I can get into the calorie hoarding aspect of it all (I’ll save that for another day) but we’re only going to talk about the sugar consumption right now.

Image Source: heart.org

For more than 50 years, it has been clear that sugar is a major culprit in the development of dental decay (cavities). Restriction of sugar consumption to 10 percent or less of daily food intake could markedly reduce the incidence of tooth decay, which is the most prevalent noncommunicable disease worldwide.

However, reducing sugar intake is not a simple as cutting back on foods that obviously contain sugars, such as candy, soda and baked goods. This is because sugars are added to many foods that may not taste especially sweet. Sugars in the forms of fructose and corn syrup may be found in the ingredient listings for foods such as crackers, pastas, sauces, soups and more.

Becoming more aware of the presence of sugar in foods can make it easier to lower sugar consumption. In addition to decreasing the chances of developing dental decay, reduced sugar intake can lead to additional health benefits, including weight loss and lowered risk of developing chronic diseases. Removing sugar-laden foods from the diet also makes room for the addition of healthier and more nutritious foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

Some of you may say that fruit has sugar in it, naturally. There is little evidence that fruit is an important factor in development of decay unless consumed excessively. Dried fruit, on the other hand, may be more cariogenic (decay causing) since the drying process releases free sugars. Fresh fruit appears to have a low ability to promote decay and even citrus fruits have not been found to cause tooth decay but may cause dental erosion, we’ll cover that another time). It’s important for us all to know that the more fresh fruit we consume instead of free sugars is likely to have a positive impact on decreasing dental decay.

Limit free sugar intake to a maximum equivalent of 10 teaspoons per day (a can of soda contains over 6 teaspoons!).

Image Source: med.uottawa.ca

Free sugars should be limited to a maximum of 4 times a day.

Don’t snack on sugars between meals.

Rinse your mouth with water or chew a piece of sugarless gum after eating if unable to brush (Gums, mints, sprays, etc. containing Xylitol; Xylitol actually stops the production of tooth-decay causing acid)

Do not eat for at least one hour before bedtime especially foods containing free sugars because low salivary flow rates during sleep reduce the ability to neutralize acid.

There are some other factors that protect against tooth decay. Consuming cheese following a sugary snack virtually abolishes the increase in acidity. Cheese stimulates saliva and is rich in calcium influencing the balance of recalcifying teeth and protecting against loss of calcium from the teeth. Cow’s milk contains lactose which is less acid producing the other sugars and therefore doesn’t promote decay as readily. In addition, cow’s milk also contains calcium, phosphorus and casein, all of which help stop decay. However, allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle of milk at night has been known to cause Baby Bottle Decay. Human breast milk contains 7% lactose and is lower in calcium and phosphate. It can also, sometimes more readily, initiate decay especially in cases of very high frequency nighttime feeding and prolonged on demand feeding. Plant foods are fibrous and protect teeth by mechanically stimulating saliva. Peanuts and hard cheeses can also act the same way. Teas have been shown to have many health benefits (check out this post). The fluoride in black tea may also protect against decay.

Taking care of your teeth is essential if you want them to last a lifetime! And they should. Many people believe that as we age, it is normal to lose teeth. That is not true! Our teeth can remain with us until the day we depart this Earth if we take care of them. Limiting our intake of starchy, sugary foods and drinks can help us maintain optimal oral health and overall health. Remember, it is important to visit your dentist for preventive care.

*Disclaimer: The information in this post is for informational purposes only. Please seek advice from your own personal medical and/or dental professional.

Almost everyone has some type of electronic device and for the majority of us it’s our phones that are literally attached to us as if it were another appendage. A lot of us do not go anywhere without them and are constantly on our phones. Many of us have become so reliant on our smartphones, we use them to carry out a whopping 221 tasks every day. With that being said, here are a few apps that you might find helpful if not for yourself, maybe for someone else you know.

Google Wallet (New)

Even though Google has Pay, a new app, Wallet is still around, relegated to Google’s payment sending and receiving service. At this point it’s an extremely stripped-down version of PayPal, and this rejuvenated Wallet app (package name: G Money) is just for managing and sending money.

The new Google Wallet makes it easy to send money to anyone in the US with an email address, even if they don’t have an existing Wallet account. It’s fast, easy, and free to send money directly from your debit card, bank account, or Wallet Balance. The Google Wallet Card lets you instantly spend money you receive through Google Wallet. You can use it to pay at millions of locations in the US, wherever Debit MasterCard® is accepted, or use it to withdraw cash from the ATM.

Oink

Oink is a popular app that allows parents to manage allowances for their kids. Basically the system is a super-simple bank for children that can only get funds from parents, and it includes tracking options to see what the kids spend that money on. Oink features multiple profiles for families with more than one child, and tools allow you to freeze accounts (for when they’re grounded, I suppose?) or unfreeze them at any time.

The Oink app is a free to use app that allows families to setup and manage payments for all family members. Teens and tweens can manage their funds using the COPPA compliant Oink app. The new Android app allows parents to monitor their children’s spending, and deliver emergency funds instantly. Parents can also freeze and unfreeze the account instantly using the new app.

FanDuel

If you’ve watched any college or pro football in the last three weeks, you know that FanDuel is inescapable. The ads are everywhere, and now they’ve even convinced ESPN to feature fantasy picks during actual broadcasts. This is an official app for the betting service.

FanDuel brings you one-day fantasy sports leagues for real money. Winners get immediate cash payouts. No season-long commitment. Join public leagues or play with friends. Over $10 million paid out every week. Entry fees start from $1. Featured on ESPN, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Yahoo. Sports. Unlike traditional fantasy leagues that run for the entire season, FanDuel leagues last for just one day or one week, so you’ll get to pick new teams on a weekly or daily basis.

Opera Max

Unless you’re lucky enough to have unlimited data on your phone, or a bottomless wallet, you’ll want to get the most out of your data package.

This is where Opera Max comes in. It crunches down the size of images and videos, speeds up website load times, and typically saves you from around a third to almost half of your general data use. You can restrict some apps to only ever connect via Wi-Fi, and temporarily turn off connections if you want to save some data for the end of the month.

The downside? You have to remember to “top up” your charge every week. While that’s completely free to do, it is a little bit of an inconvenience.

Pocket (free)

Found an article you like but want to read it later, when you may not have an internet connection? Pocket is the solution to your problem.

Allowing you to save articles and videos to read and watch later across any Pocket-enabled device, you’ll never be short of something to read or share again.

It’s the perfect distraction for Tube journeys, flights and those long train trips in signal black holes.

Unclouded (free; with in-app purchases)

Juggling two, three or even four online storage accounts can become an absolute headache. Thankfully, Unclouded is here to alleviate your concerns.

Pulling all your connected accounts into one uncluttered interface, Unclouded lets you access your files from one location, no matter where they’re stored. Unclouded currently supports Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box and Mega, so it’s really only iCloud users who are left out.

For one or two accounts it’s free to use, but if you want to manage the content of any others, you’ll need to pay. Thankfully Unclouded lets you pick and choose services you’d like, so you’re never paying for something you don’t use.

Google Play Books (Free)

Like to use your Android device to read? While there are plenty of ebook apps out there, Google’s own Play Books is fantastic.

Usually coming preinstalled on vanilla Android devices, Google’s ebook reader packs in features other free apps lack. And while the capability may not be initially apparent, you can upload your own ebooks and PDF files to Play Books and access them on any Android device associated with your login, with your progress synced across devices. This means you can read on your tablet when at home, then pick up your phone and carry on reading when out and about. Not bad for a free app.

Mood Trek (Free for Android)

Depression affects roughly 16 million adults in the United States alone, yet many patients see a psychiatrist only once every 2 to 3 months. Between visits, patients may not remember how their mood has varied, a fact that led to development of the MoodTrek app. This app helps track mood, activity, and sleep in depressed patients so that these patients can receive optimum treatment.

What’s different about this app compared to others is that it combines voth active input (mood logging) and passive input (Fitbit activity records). Also, the app includes a helpline that can connect the user with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline(1-800-273-TALK).

MoneySmart’s Track My Spend

This app is great to use over a set period of time (i.e. a pay check period or if you’re following a set budget as a way to know exactly where every cent of your money is spent). It allows you to categorize your purchases into things like transportation, entertainment, dining out, personal and medical and choose whether the purchase is a need or a want.

Being accountable for your spending and seeing where your money goes can make a big difference in how you create a budget moving forward, so the potential for savings from this app could be huge.

PayPal.Me

This allows you to make payments to friends and family who use PayPal via text, email, post or web page, without having to enter your details. You can also choose how you pay (i.e. via a bank account, credit card or PayPal balance). Plus you can use this app to execute multiple payments or split payments.

The next few apps I discovered while watching Jeff Rossen, a journalist known for his famous, very informative and insightful, “Rossen Reports”. He works for NBC News and does a segment on The Today Show. If you haven’t caught any of his reports you are missing some great reporting. Personally, I have learned and become aware of so many things because of his reporting. You have to check him out! His social media accounts are: facebook.com/rossenreports and on Twitter @jeffrossen.

Companion

Imagine virtually walking a friend home at night without ever having to leave your house, or remotely accompanying your son or daughter on a trip while they’re away at college.

Thanks to a new app called Companion, friends can virtually walk friends home by following their GPS coordinates on a map displayed on their cell phone. The app taps into the phone’s built-in sensors to also detect changes in movement. For example, if the walker stops moving or pulls out his or her headphones, the app will alert the companion.

For extra safety, the app also lets companions call the police if they don’t receive confirmation that the walker is okay within 15 seconds of a change in movement. The app will also signal an alert on the walker’s phone, displaying siren-like sounds and displaying a button for the walker to call the police.

The app connects walkers to companions when the walker texts a link to the person among his contact list that he’s chosen to walk him home virtually. Walkers can also select to send an “I feel nervous” alert to a companion on their list, prompting the companion to follow a route remotely.

Students at the University of Michigan created the app when searching for a way to feel safer during late-night walks back to their apartments or dorms.

The app, which was launched to the public just two weeks ago, already has more than 500,000 new users. The app’s founders plan to roll out more features in the future, including touch-ID technology so that only the walker could hit the “I’m OK” button.

The app has the potential to bring an extra layer of safety to pedestrians in cities and campuses around the world.

Circle of 6

With Circle of 6, you can connect with your friends to stay close, stay safe and prevent violence before it happens.

The Circle of 6 app for iPhone and Android makes it quick and easy to reach the 6 friends you choose.

Need help getting home? Need an interruption? Two touches lets your circle know where you are and how they can help.

Icons represent actions; so that no one can tell what you’re up to.

Designed for college students, it’s fast, easy-to-use and private.

It’s the mobile way to look out for your friends, on campus or when you’re out for the night.

LifeLine Response

An app to prevent assaults before they happen using your own natural response. It’s an advanced panic button. It’s like having a personal burgular alarm with a fully staffed 24/7 professional monitoring service. Set up with information to identify you to 911 in case of an emergency is required. 911 is called and responders are dispatches on your behalf during critical safety situations.

Two modes are available: thumb mode which is perfect for short distances or when you’re feeling vulnerable or timer mode for longer distances like going for a run. This app not only tracks a phone user, but will even call the police instantly if the user’s thumb is removed from the screen.

Ibotta

This app is good for cash back coupons. It’s similar to ebates. Some work is required to do it but you do get cash back in minutes. Cash back or a gift card is on everything you buy. There are exclusive deals on leading brands at some of your favorite stores. Choose any brand for a particular item and began to get money back. Manufacturers’ coupons can also be used in conjunction.

There are so many useful apps out there. This is only a little tip of the iceberg. I hope you find these helpful in your life, if not pass them on to someone else. I know for a fact that eceryone knows someone who would benefit from on of those tracking apps. With some much crime out in the world today, the tracking apps may help save someone’s life.

*This blog post is for informational purposes only. Always do your own research before deciding to use any products for personal use.

Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body.
Patches of lighter skin appear. Some people develop a few patches. Others lose much more skin color.

This happens because the cells that make pigment (color) in the skin are destroyed, die or stop functioning. . These cells are called melanocytes (ma-LAN-o-sites). Vitiligo can also affect the mucous membranes (such as the tissue inside the mouth and nose) and the eye.

Vitiligo usually affects the skin, but it can develop anywhere we have pigment. Patches of hair can turn white. Some people lose color inside their mouths. Even an eye can lose some of its color.

There is no way to predict how much color a person will lose. Color loss can remain unchanged for years. Some people see patches enlarge and new patches appear. On a rare occasion, the skin regains its lost color. Vitiligo is chronic and can last for years or be lifelong.

Signs and Symptoms

White patches on the skin are the main sign of vitiligo. These patches are more common in areas where the skin is exposed to the sun. The patches may be on the hands, feet, arms, face, and lips. Other common areas for white patches are:

The armpits and groin (where the leg meets the body). Around the mouth, in the mouth (especially people with darker skin), eyes, nostrils, navel, genitals, and rectal area. Your dermatologist may call this “loss of pigment” or “depigmentation.” We can lose pigment anywhere on our bodies, including our hair (scalp, eyebrow, eyelash, beard). People with vitiligo often have hair that turns gray early (premature hair whitening).

The affected skin can lighten or turn completely white. Many people do not have any other signs or symptoms; they feel healthy.

A few people say that the skin affected by vitiligo itches or feels painful.

Will the white patches spread? There is no way to tell if vitiligo will spread. For some people, the white patches do not spread. But often the white patches will spread to other areas of the body. For some people, vitiligo spreads slowly, over many years. For other people, spreading occurs quickly. Vitiligo can progress. With time, some people see their vitiligo cover a large area.
Some people have reported more white patches after physical or emotional stress.

What Causes Vitiligo?

The cause is not known. In vitiligo, the immune system may destroy the melanocytes in the skin. It is also possible that one or more genes may make a person more likely to get the disorder.

Scientists do not completely understand why these cells die. One type of vitiligo, non-segmental vitiligo, may be an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease develops when the body mistakes a part of itself as foreign. If the body mistakes these cells as foreigners, it will attack and kill these cells.

Studies suggest that the other type of vitiligo, segmental vitiligo, has a different cause. This type seems to develop when something in the body’s nervous system goes awry.

Some researchers think that the melanocytes destroy themselves. Others think that a single event such as sunburn or emotional distress can cause vitiligo. But these events have not been proven to cause vitiligo.

Who Is Affected by Vitiligo?

Many people develop it in their twenties, but it can occur at any age. The disorder affects all races, ethnicities and both sexes equally, however, it is more noticeable in people with dark skin. e

People with certain autoimmune diseases (such as hyperthyroidism) are more likely to get vitiligo than people who don’t have any autoimmune diseases. Scientists do not know why vitiligo is connected with these diseases. However, most people with vitiligo have no other autoimmune disease.

Vitiligo may also run in families. Children whose parents have the disorder are more likely to develop vitiligo. However, most children will not get vitiligo even if a parent has it. y

The doctor will use a family and medical history, physical exam, and tests to diagnose vitiligo. The doctor may ask questions such as:

Do you have family members with vitiligo?
Do you or family members have any autoimmune diseases? Did you have a rash, sunburn, or other skin problem before the white patches appeared? Did you have some type of stress or physical illness? Did your hair turn gray before age 35? Are you sensitive to the sun?

The doctor will do a physical exam to rule out other medical problems.

Tests might include:

Taking a small sample (biopsy) of the affected skin to be examined, blood tests and an eye exam.

How do dermatologists diagnose vitiligo?

If your dermatologist suspects that you have vitiligo, your dermatologist will:

Review your medical history, and may ask specific questions such as whether anyone in your family has vitiligo. Perform a physical exam, looking carefully at the affected skin. You also may need a blood test to check the health of your thyroid gland. People who have vitiligo often have an autoimmune thyroid disease. A blood test will tell whether your thyroid is healthy. If you have thyroid disease, treatment can successfully control it.

Treatment

Treatment may help make the skin look more even. Treatment may improve the appearance of the skin but doesn’t cure the disease. The choice of treatment depends on the number of white patches, how widespread the patches are and the treatment the person prefers to use.

Some treatments are not right for everyone. Many treatments can have unwanted side effects. Treatments can take a long time, and sometimes they don’t work.

Current treatment options for vitiligo include medical, surgical, and other treatments. Most treatments are aimed at restoring color to the white patches of skin.

Medical treatments include:

Medicines (such as creams) that you put on the skin. Medicines that you take by mouth. A treatment that uses medicine plus ultraviolet A (UVA) light (PUVA). Removing the color from other areas so they match the white patches.

Surgical treatments include:

Skin grafts from a person’s own tissues. The doctor takes skin from one area of a patient’s body and attaches it to another area. This is sometimes used for people with small patches of vitiligo.Tattooing small areas of skin.

Living with vitiligo can cause other symptoms such as low self-esteem and depression that is hard to beat. This can happen regardless of the amount of color loss or type of vitiligo.

When you have vitiligo, you may be upset or depressed about the change in your appearance. There are several things you can do to cope with the disorder:

Find a doctor who knows how to treat vitiligo. The doctor should also be a good listener and be able to provide emotional support. Learn about the disorder and treatment choices. This can help you make decisions about your treatment. Knowledge often improves a person’s quality of life. It helps to know about treatment options so that you know what is possible.

Learning more about vitiligo can help you decide what feels right for you. You may want to treat it, camouflage with cosmetics, or just let it be. Some people with vitiligo have found that cosmetics that cover the white patches improve their appearance and help them feel better about themselves. Only you can decide what’s right for you.

Connect with other people who have vitiligo. Family and friends are another source of support.
Connecting with others who have vitiligo can help. A vitiligo group can help you find a support group (also check your local listings ans social media).

You will find links to support groups below:

Support groups
Vitiligo Support International
Message boards for major cities, local support groups that meet monthly giving you the opportunity to meet others living with vitiligo, and the chance to share support and experiences in person.

Vitiligo Friends
An online community where people living with vitiligo, their family, and their friends can share information and stay in touch. Can meet people worldwide.

Celebrities with Vitiligo

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Big Krizz Kaliko

Tamar Braxton

Sammy Sosa

@winnieharlow

Michael Jackson

Vitiligo Support Group
Discussions and articles on websites.

What Research Is Being Done on Vitiligo?

Scientists have gained a better understanding of vitiligo in recent years, especially through gene research. Current research includes studies to investigate:

How trauma or stress to the skin can trigger vitiligo or the development of new white patches. New treatments and better understanding of vitiligo using a mouse model. Genes that may cause or contribute to having vitiligo. Analysis of genes already known to be linked to vitiligo. They are studying the genes involved in vitiligo. Researchers believe that by identifying all of the genes involved in vitiligo, they will learn what destroys the cells that give skin its color. With this knowledge, it should be possible to develop better treatments. One of the key goals of this research is to develop a treatment that will permanently stop the skin from losing color.

200,000 to 3 million US cases per year.
Nearly half get it before they reach 21 years of age. Most will have vitiligo for the rest of their lives.
It is very rare for vitiligo to disappear.
Vitiligo occurs about equally in people of all skin colors and races.

About half the people who get vitiligo are male and half are female.

The risk of getting vitiligo increases if a person has a close blood relative who has vitiligo or an autoimmune disease, especially Hashimoto’s disease (a thyroid disease) or alopecia areata (causes hair loss).

Vitiligo is not contagious. If you decide not to treat vitiligo, it’s still important to see a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and physical. Vitiligo is a medical condition, not just a cosmetic concern. It is not life-threatening. But, vitiligo can be life-altering. Some people develop low self-esteem. They may no longer want to hang out with friends or develop serious depression. The emotional aspects of having vitiligo are often overlooked, but they are real. If a child has vitiligo, other children may tease and bully. People can stare. Studies conclude that many people who have vitiligo have a decreased quality of life. Most people have vitiligo for life, so it’s important to develop coping strategies. And for those of us who do not have vitiligo, we need to learn about the condition and be more compassionate to those who are living with it. It’s ok to be curious and ask questions (per an acquaintance who has vitiligo) but the rudeness, stares and unkind remarks and treatment is mean- spirited and unnecessary. Put yourself in that person’s position. This is not anything they did or asked for and they have enough going on without ignorant people treating them less than who they are. “Treat others how you want to be treated!”

It’s Summer time! The kids are out of school and some of us just want to take some time off from work and enjoy our families and the weather. But according to a few surveys, many people don’t even use their paid vacation days.

Paid leave, whether in the form of vacation and sick days or as paid time off hours, makes up nearly 7% of total compensation in private industry, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employees rarely use all of their allotted time. Workers, on average, fail to use nearly five vacation days per year (U.S. Travel Association). Four percent (4%) of Americans don’t take their paid time off. On those days that you don’t take the time off, you are basically paying your employer to be at work. (If that doesn’t get you to use your time I don’t know what will). But anyway, let’s see if I can motivate you some more.

“It’s an epidemic of overwork”, says Cheryl Rosner, CEO of Stayful.com, a hotel bidding and booking site. Other countries don’t have this same issue. Germany, France and Scandinavia routinely take as much as 6 weeks off annually. U.S. employees typically leave about 429 million paid vacation days on the table every year. That’s unbelievable!

Potential Consequences of Not Taking Time Off

Productivity, quality of creativity and a drop in safety is affected when employees not using their time of and began to feel stressed and overworked. Chronic workaholics eventually crash and that has the potential to cost the company because the recovery time will probably be longer than the vacation would have been. Stressed out employees cost $600 more than average in healthcare each year, adding up to $300 billion annually. As a result of unused days off, one study puts the liability taken on by U.S. businesses at $224 billion, due to workers rolling over unused paid time off. This doesn’t take into account that when people don’t take off to recharge, their resulting stress and burnout can be detrimental to both the workers and their employees. A survey by staffing firm The Creative Group reported that about 40% of executives think employees would be more productive if they took more vacations, while only 1% think productivity would “decrease significantly”. Yet among the same senior managers, 72% say that if their companies offered unlimited vacation days, they still wouldn’t use any more than they already do. Actually, more than half of the employees said they wouldn’t either.

So why don’t Americans take time off from work? There are several reasons for this. Some say they will have too much of a mess waiting for them when they return to work. Work piles up and they get too far behind. They say they coming back to overloaded in boxes is stressful. A poll by Creative Group parent company Robert Half International said that employees are “saving vacation time in case they need it” for some future purpose other than relaxing and unwinding. People also worry that they may need to use the time for family emergencies or some other unforeseeable event. Sometimes there’s a blurring of lines between vacation/sick days and all paid time off. People who had paid time off generally took more days off over the course of a year. The blurring of lines between vacation and sick days can have drawbacks when there is a limited amount of time allotted. The issue with “sick days” is that if you get sick, then all your days go towards that. And you also have to use that time for other things you may need to take off for such as doctor appointments. The thing is that workers are more likely to come to work sick rather than use up their vacation days or take unpaid time off. There was a case in New York City where a woman pushed herself to go to work even though she was sick and she died in the office. Apparently she didn’t have any more days left to use and could not afford to take unpaid time off.

Photo Credit: wendy.jacob.co.uk

According to a survey by Virgin Pulse (a market leader in the rapidly-growing employee health engagement category):

62% respondents say they feel at least “pretty good” about taking time off, but are not taking full of advantage of the allotted PTO and many concerned about being out of the office

44% say they take 76-100% PTO each year

34% reported 50% or less taken

41% say they “feel guilty” or “stressed” about taking time off

Employees today are frazzled and overwhelmed with responsibilities from work and home. They put their health on the back burner and don’t take time off to reset. The stress and burnout impact health. But the burnout, which is common, is easy to avoid.

The amount of unclaimed days may be rising depending on an employee’s seniority. The higher up the person was in the company, the more time that gets left on the table. The lower down, the more they took. Solution: Employers need to encourage employees to take off. Paid vacations are not only part of the employee’s compensation but is a proven way to ward of burnout and refresh creativity. Managers need to lead by example and take their time off. When employees take time off, it opens the door for valuable learning opportunities. The opportunity to cross-train others on tasks that the person usually handles. If the employer finds that things are falling apart when the employees take time off, the problem isn’t the employee’s time off, it’s failure to make sure others have the tools, processes and training to cover for the absent employee. It’s important to make sure the team is capable of carrying on without everyone in attendance. Employees may come up with new ideas, new concepts or a creative solution to a problem or ideas for improvements.

No matter what an employee chooses to do with their time off, whether it be a vacation abroad or a stay-cation, time at home with family or a spa day, most experience positive benefits. Sixty percent (60%) report feeling more completely recharged after vacation. Employees also return to work feeling more rested (48%), relaxed (36%) and productive (26%).

Stress and burnout can hinder an employee’s ability to be their best selves at work. Focus, drive, energy and productivity can decrease. The benefits of taking time off benefit both the employee and the employer. Time off is necessary to be happy, healthy and productive. “We need to help people shift their perspective,” said Rosner. “It’s not a perk.” And remember, it’s not a break if you are still plugged into work phones, voice mails, emails and the laptop while on vacation.

**Check out this research summary for more information on why Americans are not using paid time off.

A visit to the dentist can be a scary thing for children. The odors, the “tools”, the noises/sounds and many other things can upset them. One of the main reasons we see for children being afraid of the dentist may be attributed to them going to their PCP’s (Primary Care Physician) office for illnesses or even just for routine immunizations. The child can get a negative image of a doctor’s office and associate the dentist with that negative experience. They also are coming into a strange/unfamiliar place with strange/unfamiliar objects and strange/unfamiliar people wearing uniforms, masks, and glasses, who want to look into their mouths. This is sometimes the case during a 1st dental visit but as time goes on, the child may become more comfortable with their dental visits and will love to come to the dentist (which is what a lot of our parents tell us at Blue Diamond Dental). If the child’s apprehension persists and we are unable to treat them, we will refer them to a Pedodontist, a pediatric dentist who specializes in the care of infants and children. This is pretty rare in our office but does happen occasionally.

Image Credit: scpr.org

There are several things you can do to prepare your child for his/her dental visit:

Talk to your child about the visit; explain what will happen (in simple terms); dentist will “count” your teeth and “take pictures” of your teeth

Don’t communicate any fear you may have to your child; don’t use words like “shots”, “drills” or “needles”;let the staff introduce their own vocabulary to the child to help them get through the visit

Have a positive attitude when discussing the dentist and use positive phrases like “clean, strong, healthy teeth” to make the visit seem fund and good rather than scary (let the child know that they will be rewarded with prizes, stickers, a new toothbrush, etc.)

Talk to the dentist about any worries your child may have; work together to limit them

Look for books that explain what it is like to go to the dentist; these books usually contain pictures to explain what happens; they also let the child see what the inside of the dentist office looks like

Don’t use going to the dentist as a punishment; Children will associate going to the dentist as negative

Be Prepared for Fussing

It is normal and age-appropriate for young children to cry, whine, wiggle and not want to be examined by a stranger. Sometimes they just outright refuse to even get into the dental chair. The dentist and staff are prepared and experienced to handle this situation. What we don’t want to do is traumatize the child by “forcing” them to be examined or treated. If the visit is just for a routine cleaning and examination, we may need to reschedule the child and try again at a later visit. If notice that the child will not cooperate no matter what or if the child needs immediate dental treatment, we will refer the child to that pediatric dentist. Sometimes it helps to bring your child in to watch an older sibling or a parent getting routine preventative care/checkup (not anything else) before they are seen for their own visit.

Dental visits are necessary to keep your child’s teeth healthy and promote good oral hygiene habits and overall health. Routine visits to the dentist is a necessity, not a choice. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), it is recommended the a child visits a dentist within 6 months of the 1st tooth erupting or by age 1. It is important to keep primary teeth (“baby teeth”) in place until they are lost naturally. Strong healthy teeth are necessary to chew properly in order to maintain good nutrition. The teeth are also involved in speech development. Without teeth, the child may develop speech impediments that will require a specialist in order to correct. Primary teeth also save space for permanent teeth that the child will have throughout their lifespan. Healthy teeth also promote a healthy smile that helps children feel good about the way they look.

“Many people don’t understand how important their child’s baby teeth are to lifelong health”, says Ken Sutherland, DDS, senior dental consultant at Delta Dental. “The 1st dental visit is a great opportunity for parents to learn how best to care for their children’s teeth”. If taken early (usually before age 2), the child is probably too young to be nervous. Older children may have anxiety at the time of a 1st. It’s also better if you make sure the child is well rested before their visit so that they feel relaxed and comfortable (not around nap time or meal time). Also, if you child has any special/exceptional needs, please let the dentist and staff know ahead of time so that together with you, we can best plan your child’s visit. Let us know what we can do to help your child have a successful dental visit. We don’t know if you don’t tell us.

Let’s make your child’s trip to the dentist a pleasant and enjoyable visit. The dentist office doesn’t have to be a scary place. With your help your child will love coming to visit us for their treatment twice a year. So start them early and continue with their routine care as recommended. And remember, if you are apprehensive about the dentist, don’t let your child know that. Your child can go into adulthood without having a dislike or fear of the dentist.

Children’s Resources on Dental Visits:

Delta Dental’s Children’s Website: mysmilekids.com (stories and fun activities to help children learn about their teeth)

Books: “Spongebob Squarepants’ Behold No Cavities: A Visit to the Dentist”; Scholastic Books

*The information in this post is for informational purposes only. Contact your own personal dentist for advice or treatment.

With Summer upon us, the rising mercury leads us to places of relaxation. Not only are we looking for a place for a little R&R, but we’re looking to cool off by adding some water activities to our day. Hanging out by the pool or on the beach on a hot day is a great way to beat the heat. Swimming is the most popular Summer activity. Most of us don’t think much about water safety. There are so many distractions such as just having fun, reading or electronics that can sometimes interfere with us really paying attention to what’s going on around us. And this could be very dangerous.

Know your limits; only go as far as you can reach the bottom if you’re a beginner or not a good swimmer; don’t try to keep up with skilled swimmers; Good swimmers keep an eye on friends who aren’t as comfortable or as skilled as you are.

Swim in safe areas only; only places supervised by a lifeguard.

Be careful about diving; Diving injuries can cause a head injury, permanent spinal cord damage, paralysis and sometimes even death; only dive in areas known to be safe, such as the deep end of a supervised pool; “No Diving” or “No Swimming” signs, pay attention to them; the previous means water isn’t safe for head 1st entry.

Always maintain constant supervision. Actively supervise kids whenever they are around water, even if lifeguards are present. Do not drop kids off at a public pool or leave them at the beach. Designate a responsible adult to supervise them. Do not trust a child’s life to another child. Always stay within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions when supervising children around water. Teach children to always ask for permission to go near water.

Young children or inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets around water, but don’t rely on jackets alone. Also, make sure you wear a life jacket while boating. Most boating fatalities occur from drowning.

Alcohol plays a role in a lot of water accidents. Avoid alcohol use because it impairs judgment, balance and coordination, affecting swimming and driving skills. It also reduces the body’s ability to stay warm. Up to half of all water-relatd deaths involve alcohol. Half of all adolescent male drownings are tied to alcohol use.

OTHER STATISTICS

Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are males.

Children ages 1-4 years have the highest drowning rates (most occur in home swimming
pools).

Among 1-14 year olds, fatal drowning remains the 2nd leading cause of unintentional injury-related death behind motor vehicles crashes.

Between 2005 and 2009, data for unintentional drowning rates for African Americans was significantly higher than whites across all ages; the disparity was the widest among ages 5-14 year olds (fatal drowning rate for this age group was almost 3x that of white kids the same age).

*Factors such as access to swimming pools, the desire or lack of desire to learn how to swim and choosing water-related recreational activities may contribute to racial differences in drowning rates.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE DROWNING

1. Lack of Swimming Ability
2. Lack of Physical Barriers (such as fences)
3. Lack of Close Supervision
4. Location: people of different ages drown in different locations
5. Failure to Wear Life Jackets
6. Alcohol Use
7. Seizure Disorders: drowning most common cause of unintentional injury death, with the bathtub as the site of the highest drowning risk

Summer and water activities can be enjoyed by all and everyone can remain safe by following these easy guidelines. Stay alert and undistracted. If you or your loved can’t swim, find a class and get some lessons. Always supervise your children around water. For more tips and information contact the Red Cross or another local organization in n your area.

*The information in this post is for informational purposes only. Contact a professional on the topic for advice.

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints and/or organs inside the body). Chronic refers to signs and symptoms lasting longer than 6 weeks and often for many years. Autoimmune is when the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria and germs, and the body’s healthy tissues. The body creates autoantibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissues and organs. These antibodies cause inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body. Lupus is a disease of flares (symptoms worsen and you feel ill) and remissions (symptoms improve and you feel better).

Symptoms can vary from person to person and change over time, even within the same person. It is important to monitor the symptoms even when they may seem minor, temporary or unrelated to other symptoms. Common symptoms include pain in the muscles, pain while breathing or sharp pain in the chest. The mouth can have dryness and ulcers. The skin can have scaly rashes or red rashes. One may experience major depression or anxiety. Fever above 100F degrees, malaise, anemia or extreme fatigue that won’t get better with rest are other symptoms. Hair loss or loss of scalp hair is also common. Other symptoms include: sensitivity to light, blood in the urine, Raynaud’s Syndrome, a butterfly-shaped pattern across the nose and cheeks, water retention, joint pain, stiffness and swelling in 2 or more joints, headache and acute episodes of weight loss.

According to the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA), 1.5 to 2 million Americans have some form of lupus. Prevalence is approximately 40 cases per 100,000 persons among Northern Europeans and 200 per 100,000 persons among African-Americans. African-American females suffer from more severe symptoms and a higher mortality rate.

Although doctors don’t know exactly what causes lupus and other autoimmune diseases, most believe both genetic and environmental stimuli play a role. Since lupus is known to occur in families, it is possible to inherit a genetic predisposition to lupus, doctors believe. However, no known genes that directly cause illness have been found. It is probable that having an inherited predisposition for lupus makes the disease more likely only after coming in contact with some environmental trigger. The higher number of lupus cases in females than males may indicate that the disease can be triggered by certain hormones. Physicians believe that hormones such as estrogen regulate the progression of the disease because symptoms tend to flare before menstrual periods and/or during pregnancy. Environmental factors that have been known to cause lupus symptoms include extreme stress, UV exposure, usually sunlight, smoking, some medications and antibiotics, especially those in sulfa and penicillin groups. Some infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), parovirus (such as 5th disease), Hepatitis C infection and Epstein-Barr virus in children. Chemical exposure to compounds such as triclorethylene in well water and dust is also a factor.

OTHER FACTS ABOUT LUPUS

The type of lupus that refer to simply as “lupus” is known as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). Other types include discoid (cutaneous), drug-induced and neonatal. Females have lupus 9x more often than males. There are 16,000 new cases reported annually. It is believed that 5 million people throughout the world have a form of lupus. Lupus strikes mostly women of childbearing age (15-44), however, men, children and teens develop it to. Women of color are 2-3x more likely to develop it than Caucasians.

Lupus can be difficult to diagnose. It is hard to recognize and sometimes takes weeks to years to diagnose. After the doctor takes a medical history and physical examination on the patient to check for certain criteria that will help in diagnosing. Test such as ANA test and other antibody blood tests, Complement test, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) or C-reactive protein (CRP), Complete Blood Count (CBC) or Urinalysis can be used in diagnosing the patient. These tests, along with others, including imaging, depending on the symptoms the patient is experiencing can also help in not only diagnosing but as part of the ongoing monitoring and treatment of lupus.

Lupus can be managed medically with antimalarial (Chloroquine), steroids by injections or by mouth and other treatments by injections and orally. Another common treatment immunotherapy. Management of lupus done when the person takes care of themselves. They will see a reduction in the frequency, severity of flares if they make healthy lifestyle choices such as quit smoking, pain management, rehab with physical therapy and control fatigue.. It is also important to exercise regularly, become educated about lupus, eat a healthful balanced diet and surround oneself with support system of family, friends and health professionals.

More people have lupus than cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis combined. Mortality: 10 year survival rate is 76-90%. Ninety percent live a normal lifespan. One out of 600 Caucasian women develop lupus while 1 out of 200 African-American women develop it.

Celebrities with lupus are Toni Braxton, Seal (the scars on this face are from a type of lupus that affects the skin and scalp), Nick Cannon, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga, to name a few.

The information in this post is for informational purposes only. If you think you may have lupus, contact your health care provider for any medical advice.

Sleep apnea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breath while you sleep. These breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. When breathing is paused, carbon dioxide builds up in the bloodstream. Chemoreceptors in the blood stream note the high levels of carbon dioxide. The brain is signaled to wake the person sleeping and breathe in air. Breathing normally will restore oxygen levels and the person will fall asleep again. Sleep apnea is often diagnosed with an overnight sleep test called a polysomnogram or more commonly known as a “sleep study”. Diagnosis is made when the person stops breathing for 10 seconds or longer 5 times per hour.

The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This happens when the tongue, tonsils or other tissues in the back of the throat block the airway. When the person is trying to breathe in, air can’t get through. Central sleep apnea (CSA) is less common. In CSA, the brain doesn’t always signal the body to breathe when it should. With sleep apnea, one may stop breathing up to 400 times throughout the night. These last 10-30 seconds and often are followed by a snort when breathing resumes. This breaks the sleep cycle and can leave you tired during the day.

Doctors estimate that more than 18 million Americans have sleep apnea. It is more common after age 40, but can affect all ages. There are more cases still because people don’t either report it or they don’t know they have it. Sleep apnea is recognized as a problem by others witnessing the person during episodes or is suspected because of its effects on the body.

Sleep apnea can affect people regardless of gender, race or age, even children. Obstructive sleep apnea is common in children, affecting 1 in 10. In most cases the symptoms are mild. The child will eventually outgrow the condition. Some kids may develop behavioral issues or serious medical problems as a result of obstructive sleep apnea. Risk factors for OSA include being a male, overweight, obese or over the age of 40. Also, having a large neck size (greater than 16-17 inches), enlarged tonsils, enlarged tongue, a small jaw bone, a deviated septum causing nasal obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux, allergies, or having sinus problems. Family history of sleep apnea is also a risk factor. Alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives and tranquilizers relax the muscles in the back of the throat making it easier for the airway to become blocked. People who smoke have sleep apnea at 3x the rate of people who have never smoked. Central sleep apnea is more influenced by being a male, being older than 65 yrs old, having heart disorders like atrial fibrillation and stroke or a brain tumor. Brain tumors may hinder the brain’s ability to regulate normal breathing.

The People with OSA are more likely to die from Sudden Cardiac Death (occurring between 10pm-6am; for the general public, Sudden Cardiac Death occurs between 6am-12pm).

Men are 2x as likely to have sleep apnea.

Twenty-eight percent of men and 24% of women over age 65 have sleep apnea

Men with severe OSA are 3x more likely to have a stroke than men without OSA.

1 in 5 adults has mild OSA and 1 in 5 has moderate or severe OSA.

80-90% of sleep breathing disorders remain undiagnosed.

Patients with OSA are 4-6x more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident than the general population.

Women who snore regularly are at twice the risk of heart attack and stroke compared to women who never snore.

1-4% of children suffer from Sleep Breathing Disorders and 3-12% are habitual snorers (American Academy of Pediatrics).

IQ score, attention span and memory skills in children with SBD are lower compared to children without SBD.

In the dental office, we are able to identify various disease conditions and disorders by what we see or smell in the oral cavity. Your dentist may be the first to know about an issue or problem with your overall health that you or even your primary care physician may not have recognized yet. Research shows that 90% of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations. Symptoms of these conditions can manifest in the mouth, making dentists key in diagnosing the diseases. Some of these diseases/conditions include diabetes, leukemia, oral cancer, pancreatic cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, acid reflux, sleep apnea, eating disorders and more. In many cases, a dentist may be the first health care provider to diagnose a health problem in its early stages since many people have regular oral examinations and see their dentist more often than their physician. Seeing a dentist regularly (at least 2x year) helps to keep your mouth healthy and allows your dentist to watch for developments that may point to other health issues.

It has been well documented that sleep apnea patients have both a reduced antioxidant capacity and higher levels of oxidative stress than controls, according to Spectra Cell Laboratories, Inc. This correlation with nutrients is a non-exhaustive list and there are additional nutrients that affect sleep apnea.

Vitamin C: Improves endothelial function (blood vessel health) in sleep apnea patients to levels seen in people without sleep apnea.

Vitamin E: Mitigates the oxidative stress seen in sleep apnea patients. Works synergistically with Vitamin C.

Minerals: The trace minerals zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese and selenium are critical cofactors for the major antioxidant enzymes, which are important in repairing cellular damage caused by hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in sleep apnea.

Selenium: In one case report, selenium supplementation completely stopped snoring caused by non-obesity sleep apnea. Selenium’s role as a potent antioxidant may reduce the oxidative stress seen in sleep apnea patients.

Copper: Considered a strong predictor of oxidative stress in sleep apnea patients. Copper’s role as a key cofactor on the powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) explains this. SOD is very low in sleep apnea patients.

Sleep apnea is treatable. One way to treat it is by making lifestyle changes to decrease the risk factors by losing weight, quitting smoking and exercising. Changing your sleeping position can also help. Sleeping on your back causes gravity to pull the tissues in the throat down where they will more likely block the airway. By sleeping on your side, this helps to open the throat. You can find special pillows to help keep you on your side. A mouthpiece or appliance can be made by your dentist to ease mild sleep apnea. It is custom-made for the individual and works by adjusting the position of the lower jaw and tongue. You put it in at bedtime to help keep the airway open while you sleep.

The most common treatment for OSA is the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine. It works by blowing a steady stream of air into the airway. The flow of air is adjusted until it’s strong enough to keep the airway open while you sleep. The CPAP is most commonly used for the treatment of moderate to severe OSA.

Surgery can also be an option. This can be good for some to treat OSA. For instance, children with large tonsils that block their airway will have them removed. In adults, surgery may improve symptoms by shrinking or stiffening floppy tissues. A fairly new device that is approved by the FDA and is now available to treat sleep apnea is called Inspire. Because some people just cannot get used to wearing the CPAP, this device may be a great alternative to those people. Inspire is an upper airway stimulation device. “It works inside your body and with your natural breathing process to treat sleep apnea. Based on your unique breathing patterns, the system delivers mild stimulation to key airway muscles, which keeps the airway open”. Patients have reported that this device has changed their lives! The procedure to implant this device is being performed all over the United States, including locally here in Philadelphia. Check out the website for doctors in your area, news stories and more information on Inspire.

Although surgery can be a good option for some, it is not always an option for everyone. Patients should consider the pros and cons and their doctor’s opinion before going forward with any surgical procedure.

**The information presented in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk to your own personal healthcare professional about any diagnosis and treatment information.

Straightening teeth has long been a procedure performed by orthodontist for many years. Most recently, orthodontist have been using invisible aligners in addition to the traditional braces. Now, with technology, the goal of having a straighter smile through the use of clear/invisible aligners can be achieved from the privacy of your own home.

Two companies are now offering the clear/invisible aligners used to straighten teeth, remotely so adults and older teens can straighten their teeth at home for a fraction of what the orthodontist charge.

CrystalBraces (will be referred to as “CB”) are BPA-free plastic trays used to straighten teeth and correct minor bite discrepensies in the shortest amount of time (skeletal bite issues are recommended to the orthodontist or dentist). The system uses a 3D mapping technology which digitally maps out the mouth in order to create an exact replica in their system. With the map, they digitally create the amount of stages that need to occur and the slight movements and alterations that need to be made to the clear trays. So how does this process actually work? When you go onto their website, you begin by taking the free analysis to determine if you are a good candidate for CrystalBraces. You will immediately get an answer. The patient can also send pictures to CB for a quick photo assessment to see if they are eligible for the program. But in order to get a completely accurate assessment, impressions are needed. Next, you can than place your order to receive your starter kit. This kit contains impression material for you take take impressions of your teeth that get mailed back to the company to begin the proces. During the treatment process, the patient has full access to view the digital maps, 3D technology, monitor changes and track their progress at all stages of treatment. The patient is also provided with a personal dental consultant whom checks on them throughout their treatment. CrystalBraces use natural movement to make teeth straight again. They claim to correct overbites, crowding and gaps. The time of treatment is based on how much movement the teeth need and your bone formation capacity. Minor movement is about 6 months. More movement can go up to 2 years. Just like other clear aligners, they need to be worn for at least 22 hours a day. Maintaining the results is done with retainers, as with any orthodontic straightening procedure. There is no age limit for CB, the patient only needs to have permanent teeth. CrystalBraces do not accept any dental insurances but will accept all major credit cards and PayPal as forms of payment. The cost is about $900-$2100 and you receive your trays according to your payment plan. You will only receive your trays after you make the payment that is due.

So you may ask, why is CrystalBraces significantly more affordable than other systems? CB works directly with the consumer rather than a middle man or a dentist to share products. “CrystalBraces strive to help the consumer get that American smile rather than bogging them down with high retail prices and lengthy visits.” CB is a no hassle, no risk program. This means you only pay for what you use. There is no contract binding you to the terms of treatment, if you don’t like the product or results and want to quit, you can with no hassle and no further payments.

A little background about CrystalBraces. Dr. Son Tran is the founder and creator of CB. He has been a general dentist for over 10 years around the Dallas, Texas area. CrystalBraces was born in early 2003, when Dr. Tran began using the technology throughout his clinics. After getting great results and large numbers of positive results, he decided to make the product and brand available to the public in 2013. Dr. Tran was approached by companies such as Capital Venture Group (they invest in new research and development; innovation leader in their industry for past 45 years). Dr. Tran declined the company’s “commercialism” in order to keep the product and business family-friendly and dedicated to affordability through direct to consumer business.

Founder and CEO Doug Hudson founded SCC in 2013. SmileCareClub is backed by Camelot Venture Group, a private investment group that has been pioneering the direct to consumer space since the early 90’s. Camelot is the owner of Sharper Image, Quicken Loans and 1-800-Contacts). SCC is also partnered with orthodontic labs. Their technology and process is basically the same as CrystalBraces but with some slight differences. Normally, no dental office visits are required except for more complex cases. The system is designed for minor to moderate teeth correction, including spaces, crowding, rotations and some correction of bite. SCC is not accepting cases with implants at this time. Treatment time depends on treatment options, depending on the current situation of your teeth, but is designed to be used from 4 to 14 months. The cost also depends on your teeth. For example, if you have minor crowding and spacing, Smile 5 Plan would be approriate. This plan includes 5 trays/aligners and treatment will be approximately 4 months. This plan starts at $900 or a specific amount for a monthly payment plan. Included in this plan and all other plans, is a free whitening system ($200 value). SmileCareClub accepts all major credits, flexible spending accounts and other financing as payment. Also, dental insurance is accepted because some plans cover this type of orthodontics. There is a 100% money back guarantee for the system.

Invisible aligners are usually prescribed by an orthodontist or dentist after an in-person examination and discussion of treatment options. Invisalign and Clear Correct are two of several companies that make aligners that entail hands-on supervision at repeat office visits, at a typical cost of $4000-$6000 depending on geography and complexity of your case. Critics argue that prescribing aligners to patients sight unseen risks overlooking oral health issues that can compromise orthodontic treatment. Some experts say that because the at-home systems may not be for everyone, it can be a waste of time and money trying to achieve something that’s physically impossible. One dentist said that he would never rely on a patient’s “selfie picture” to determine whether the teeth within the bone would align properly when in-office x-rays could be taken. Many orthodontist argue that an in-person exam is critical to look for untreated cavities and underlying gum infections before any teeth straightening is done. Orthodontic treatment can exacerbate gum disease.

The FDA considers aligners prescription devices and has approved more than 10 kinds but doesn’t regulate the practice of dentistry or orthodontics. This regulation is left up to the states and their dental boards to decide what is appropriate care. In January, the American Association of Orthodontists, warned consumers against moving teeth without an initial exam and continuing supervision by an orthodontist. “Our concern is that patients who don’t see an orthodontist for regular checkups and/or a complete diagnosis are more likely to be harmed”, said Dr. Rolf Behrents, a spokesman for the association. He also is concerned about people using elastic hair bands to close gaps between their front teeth, a practice inspired by do-it-yourself YouTube videos, made by people with no dental training.

SmileCareClub uses more than 90 orthodontists and dentists in 43 states to review photos taken by patients and a 3D model mostly made from the at-home impression. SCC is in the process of recruiting providers in the remaining seven states. They say that about 20% of cases require referrals for in-person care. SmileCareClub for the most part, relies on their patient’s honesty to confirm oral health. Patients are required to sign a form stating that their dentist has checked for decay and gum disease and x-rays had been taken in the last 18 months.

Dr. Son Tran is the sole reviewer of CrystalBraces’ mailed-in impressions and says that he can tell from a snapshot or the dental impression if a patient has swollen gums that would require a patient to visit a dentist before getting CB. They claim their system is “foolproof” and they “handle and correct 99% of cases”. CrystalBraces has treated approximately 3,600 patients since 2013 and at the time of this article, their materials were on backorder for shipment due to high demand.

In conclusion, it is always important to do your own research and consult a professional for advice before initiating any medical and/or dental treatments.

For thousands of years, teas has been known as the key to good health, happiness and wisdom in the East. Now modern science is discovering what people in China and elswehere have known all along.

Tea is a name given to alot of brews, but purist consider only green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea and pu-erh tea to be the real thing. All of these are derived from the Camelia sinensis plant, a shrub native to China and India and contain unique antioxidants called flavonoids. Flavonoids inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the development of new ones. The most potent of these is ECGC (Epigallocatechin Gallate). All of these teas also contain caffeine and theanine, which affect the brain and seem to heighten mental alertness. The more processed the tea leaves, usually the less polyphenol content which include flavonoids. Oolong and black teas are oxidized or fermented, so they have lower concentrations of polyphenols than green tea but their antioxidizing power is still high.

Studies have found some teas may help with several different disease conditions, weight control and even improve brain function. “I think it is a great alternative to drinking coffee, says American Diabetic Association spokesperson Katherine Tallmadge, MA,RD,LD.

Black Tea

Made with fermented leaves, black tea has the highest caffeine content and forms the basis for flavored teas like chai, along with some instant teas. Studies have shown that black tea may protect the lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke. It may also reduce the risk of stroke.

White Tea

This tea is uncured and unfermented. It is the least processed and has the highest levels of antioxidants. White tea contains the same types of antioxidants as green tea but in greater quantity. One study showed that white tea has the most potent anticancer properties compared to more processed teas and has been found to work as well as prescription drugs, but without the side effects. White tea has many other benefits as well, such as, reduces blood sugar and helps prevent and alleviate the symptoms of diabetes, reduces stress and increases energy, protects the skin against free radicals, protects against heart disease and stroke, and strengthens bones. It may or may not aid in weight loss. Studies suggest the tea may increase metabolism and encourage the body to burn more fat, but a balanced diet and regular exercise are more likely to produce results. It still can’t hurt by adding white tea to your weight loss plan. Another benefit of white tea that is of great interest to the dental profession is that white tea contains small amounts of fluoride and other nutrients that will help keep the teeth strong and healthy. It also kills the bacteria that causes plaque, decay and bad breath.

Pu-erh Tea

This tea is made from fermented and aged leaves. Considered a black tea, its leaves are pressed into cakes. One of the benefits is its ability to lower cholesterol. One study found a profound reduction in LDL, or “bad” cholesterol and an increase in HDL “good” cholesterol. Pu-erh has also shown great benefit for people suffering from metabolic syndrome, a group of risk factors for cardiovascular disease which include high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, high fasting blood sugar, high triglycerides and abdominal obesity. Research shows that pu-erh has similar amounts of antioxidant activity as green, black and oolong teas.

Green Tea

Made with steamed tea leaves, green tea has a high concentration of ECGC and has been widely studied. The ECGC is the main reason this tea has such powerful medicinal properties. Due to caffeine being the key active ingredient, drinking green tea helps improve brain funtioning such as improved mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory. Green tea doesn’t have as much caffeine as coffee but enought to produce a response without causing “jittery” effects associated with too much caffeine. Even more than just caffeine, green tea has an amino acid that working in combination with the caffeine, are particularly potent at improving brain function. People report having a more stable energy and being more productive drinking green tea compared to coffee. Other benefits include, increases fat burning and improves physical performance, lowers the risk of various types of cancer, and protects the brain in old age lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Studies have also shown that green tea kills bacteria in the mouth to improve dental health and lowers the risk of infection, lowers the risk of Type II Diabetes, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and may aid in weight loss by boosting the metabolic rate in the short term.

Oolong Tea

One of the most popular types of tea in China, oolong has most of the same benefits as green tea and the others such as boosts metabolism, lowers cholesterol, increase in mental alertness and more. But oolong has also been shown to aid in digestion because it alkalizes the digestive tract reducing inflammation in those with acid reflux and ulcer problems. Oolong also promotes healthy hair due to high levels of antioxidants. These antioxidants prevent hair loss when you make a rinse out of the tea leaves. This results in thicker, shinier hair that is soft and lusterous.

Herbal Tea

Made from herbs, fruits, seeds or roots steeped in hot water, herbal teas have lower concentrations of antioxidants than green tea, white tea, black tea and oolongs. Varieties include ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, hibiscus, jasmine, rosehip, mint, rooibos (red tea), chamomile and echinacea. There is limited research on the health benefits of herbal teas but there the claims that they help shed pounds, stave off colds and bring on restful sleep are largely unsupported.

Instant Tea

These may contain very little amounts of the actual tea and plenty of sugars or artificial sweetners. It’s best to check the ingredients on the label before consuming if you are looking for health benefits.

We know that tea can be good for your health, but can tea be bad for your health?

Most teas are benign but the FDA has issued warnings about so-called dieter’s teas that contain senna, aloe, buckhorn and other plant-derived laxatives. They also warn consumers to be wary of herb-containing supplements that claim to kill pain and fight cancer. None of the claims are backed by science and some herbs have led to bowel problems, liver and kidney damage and even death. The FDA also cautions against taking supplements that include: Comfrey, Ephedra, Willow Bark, Germander, Lobelia and Chaparral.

*Note: Adding milk to tea can reduce the antioxidant value. This is not a good idea even though some may prefer to do this.

*Note: It’s important to consume tea in moderation because it contains a certain amount of caffeine. Consuming too much caffeine can result in side effects including headache, anxiety, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), irregular heartbeat and inflammation. If you are pregnant, breast feeding or have a serious medical condition that is affected by caffeine consumption, talk to your doctor first.

In Conclusion, one should incorporate healthy beverages in your diet on a regular basis to benefit from these health-promoting properties. It’s not just about the foods we eat, but it’s also about what we drink as well, that contributes to our health and wellbeing.

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Disclosure:

The information contained on this blog is offered as information only and not as professional advice. Users should consult their own dental and/or medical professional, in person, for such advice.

Photo: Brandywine Park (Wilmington, Delaware)

Copyright 2015 Blue Diamond Dental, PA. All rights reserved. Blue Diamond Dental names and logos may not be reproduced by any means or in any form whatsoever without express written permission from Blue Diamond Dental, PA.